Newlands Forest Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours &

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Newlands Forest- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Newlands Forest, nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain near Cape Town, is a tranquil conservancy rich in history and biodiversity. Revered for its scenic walking and jogging trails, it offers stunning views over the Cape Flats while serving as a vital habitat for the endangered Granite Fynbos and Peninsula Shale Fynbos ecosystems. Once dominated by indigenous forests, the area has transformed over the years due to logging and reforestation efforts, with ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the serene landscape, learn about its ecological importance, and witness community-driven conservation efforts, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Cape Town

Table Mountain

V&A Waterfront

4.6

Bakoven Beach

Boulder

4.6

Cape Point

Cape of Good Hope

4.8

Cape Town Diamond Museum

Cape Town Science Centre

4.2

Reviews of Newlands Forest

Frank van den Brink

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-03

Very nice forest close to Table Mountain. Extensive number of trails, nice paths and very safe. Some waterfalls and streams, nice view,on the mountain and lots of parking space at the start of the walks. Really recommendable.
Roelof Louw

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-10

Packed with so many different trails one is spoiled for choice! Still the best trail background available! Be on the lookout for porcupines and genets in the early morning hours - always a treat!
DJ HuM

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-19

Stunning stunning stunnning is an understatement - there's SO much space to explore and run, and grab a coffee (even bring your own cup, so many wasteful folk) n snack. So many beautiful doggos, with so many of their owners who look like them, and so few who pick up after their own doggos poo. I'm sure that's how they drive too. Please try to keep these spaces clean and much less people in the upper paths if you're a special hobbit, like me. There's little to no signal up top, so bring a friend in case anything goes down and the safe parking has lotsa space too.
Liam Bento

5
Reviewed: 2024-03-01

Beautiful, tranquil and extremely humbling when you consider that these hiking trails exist because barefoot Khoi San and heavy booted Dutch settlers blazed these trails centuries ago by driving cattle over these paths to graze over the mountain, and there I was suffering while wearing extremely comfortable Nike's and shorts that promote testicular ventilation. I'm definitely bred for the life of comfort.
Rick Rohan

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-30

Starting point for a large number of trails. Actually all of Table mountain is connected so you can basically walk from anywhere to anywhere. This side of the mountain is densely forested. Which is amazing given that the other side is only low fynbos. Going alone is not recommended. The trail markers are almost non-existent, so best to go with someone who knows the path. There is no real danger of if getting lost. You can check google maps satellite view to find a way out if lost. This is one of the most popular hiking points in CT, so finding parking can be a real headache. You can park by the side of M3 and walk.